Week 7: GRATITUDE
Definition: The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation.
Read: Luke 17:11-17
Gratitude was not a quality I possessed growing up. All the things my parents did for me, how they provided for me ... I took all of it for granted; I came to expect it. It didn't take long after I moved away from home for God to show me just how blessed I was growing up and how blind I was to it. My laundry was no longer done and neatly folded, there wasn't a meal on the table for me to eat, and there certainly wasn't money being handed over at my request.
It was a season of growth for me. I had to learn how to do things on my own. I had to provide for myself in a lot of different avenues, and it was hard. However, this season of life also provoked in me a grateful spirit. It caused me to look back and reflect on all the blessings the Lord provided for me through my parents. There were many, but I couldn't remember ever thanking my parents for all they did for me; the sacrifices they made and the time they gave up. Everything they did was out of love for my siblings and me.
So one day, I picked up the phone and called my mom and dad. I conveyed to them how thankful I was for all they have done. I could tell by their response that it meant the world to them.
Leprosy is a skin disease that causes the flesh to decay, abnormal growths, nerve damage, and eventually amputation. One day when Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, He heard the cries of 10 men who were afflicted with this disease. They cried out to him, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us." If you had leprosy in those days, it was evident by your appearance. Unfortunately, if you found yourself with this sickness, you were considered unclean, banished from the city, and deemed unworthy of a relationship with God. You didn't have a home anymore, and everyone you loved would be left behind. The loneliness these 10 men felt had to be incredibly difficult.
When Jesus heard their cries, he didn't demonstrate disgust or show them hate. Instead, He said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as the men with leprosy made their way back into town, they were cleansed. Imagine the feeling of elation these men must have had. For so long, they were disgusting in the eyes of others, and their existence brought shame to their families. But now they were clean! They could return home with their lives restored.
You would think that all of these men would be grateful, but that wasn't the case. Only one of the men returned to Jesus after he had realized he'd been healed. He fell at the feet of Jesus, praising God, and giving Him thanks. He was the only one to return, and Jesus asked the man, "Were not all 10 cleansed? Where are the other nine?"
Take a few moments to answer the following questions. Remember, these questions are designed to challenge you and will do so only if you are completely honest with yourself.
Reflection
- How would you feel if you had an illness that caused you to be isolated and cut off from family and friends?
- How do you think the men felt as they made their way back into town and became healed? Why?
- Why do you think only one of the men returned to show Jesus gratitude?
- Who do you relate to more, the nine who walked away or the one who returned? Why?
You probably relate a lot to the nine who didn't return because you live in an entitled culture. Being ungrateful is second nature to you. You feel you deserve to have all of the things your heart desires, and how you get them is irrelevant. There is a part of you that always desires to have more of something, but you often don't even know what that something is. You at times feel entitled, but the opposite of entitlement is gratitude. Paul writes in Ephesians 5:10, "Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (ESV).
Outside your lack of gratitude to God, you probably don't express gratitude to your parents for all that they have done for you. They sacrifice so much and don't ask for anything in return. Yet, you may find yourself not even taking notice, or find yourself taking their love and sacrifices for granted.
The Challenge
Write a letter to your parents expressing your gratitude for all that they have done for you. Sit down with your parents or parent; share your list with them. Express your gratitude in a sincere way.
End of Week Reflection
- How did this challenge make you shine?
- What was the most difficult part of this challenge for you?
- What was the most rewarding part of this challenge for you?
- How do you feel this challenge grew your relationship with Jesus?
- How can you use what you learned through this challenge to shine daily?